I will be elated if Narendra Modi becomes PM: Advani

BJP Patriarch LK Advani, who had strong reservations against Narendra Modi's elevation as party's presumptive prime minister, on Wednesday said "he would be elated if Modi becomes next Prime Minister after the 2014 Lok Sabha polls."

He also expressed confidence that NDA under Narendra Modi would form the next government after the parliamentary polls.

Advani's public endorsement of Modi came when they shared a stage in Ahmedabad during inauguration of an infrastructure institute. Earlier, they also attended a meeting of Somnath Temple trust in which both are trustees and former Chief Minister Keshubhai is chairman of the trust.

The BJP veteran was generous with lavishing praises on Modi for his development works in Gujarat and his incorruptible image.

"There is an unusual quality in Modi. He always thinks of something new. I am proud that our government in Gujarat and Narendra Modi are drawing praise not just in India but abroad for its works," Advani said while praising Modi.

This was Advani's first visit to Gujarat after Modi was declared as BJP's prime ministerial candidate in the BJP's national parliamentary board which Advani had skipped in September.

Unlike their tense appearance during BJP's public rally in Bhopal where Advani's displeasure of Modi's elevation was palpable, both leaders in Ahmedabad appeared very cordial in an attempt to bury the past and signal a new unity among them.

To please Advani, who is also MP representing Gandhinagar, Modi had asked the state BJP cadre and the administration to ensure that all functions were organised in a grand way and Advani was given highest importance.

During his speech, Modi said Advani had expressed confidence that there would be change after the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. "I have complete trust in Advani ji's confidence," he said.

Modi also talked about creation of infrastructure to build a strong nation based on knowledge power. "Earlier, strength was economic or military power but now knowledge has emerged as a factor that can make us strong as a nation," he said.

According to him, need of the hour for the country was to create manpower that can help in nation building.

"We are blessed with youth power and proper human resource development is linked with future. Imagine how much the youth power can contribute in nation building," he said while stressing on skill development of youth to create manpower in the country.